Recreational Drones: El Monte vs Pasadena
How do recreational drones rules compare between El Monte, CA and Pasadena, CA?
El Monte and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte has no dedicated drone ordinance, so recreational flight is governed by FAA Part 107/Recreational Flyer rules plus California state limits in Cal. Penal Code §§402, 626.12, and 14350 et seq.
View full El Monte rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Recreational drones in Pasadena must comply with FAA Part 107 rules. No flying near airports, over crowds, or above 400 ft. Parks and the Rose Bowl area may have additional drone restrictions.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Local drone ordinance | None — FAA + state law apply | - |
| FAA altitude ceiling | 400 ft AGL | - |
| El Monte Airport (KEMT) | Class D — LAANC required | - |
| TRUST test | Required for all recreational flyers | - |
| Schools (PC §626.12) | No fly within 350 ft during school hours | - |
| Sanctioned RC field | Whittier Narrows / San Gabriel Valley RC | - |
| FAA Rules | - | Part 107 applies |
| Max Altitude | - | 400 feet AGL |
| Rose Bowl | - | Restrictions during events |
| Parks | - | May restrict drone use |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Does El Monte have its own drone ordinance?
No. El Monte has not adopted a dedicated UAS chapter in the Municipal Code. Recreational operation is regulated by FAA Part 107 / 49 U.S.C. §44809, by California Penal Code §§402, 626.12 and 14350 et seq., and by general city nuisance and park rules (EMMC Ch. 8.36, Ch. 12.48).
Can I launch a drone from my backyard in El Monte?
Only if you are clear of El Monte Airport's Class D airspace or have LAANC authorization. KEMT sits at the south edge of the city, so most addresses north of Lower Azusa Rd. are inside controlled airspace and require the FAA's LAANC app for authorization to fly above the published ceiling.
Where can I legally fly an RC aircraft near El Monte?
The closest AMA-sanctioned field is the San Gabriel Valley RC site at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte, operated by LA County Parks. It is recognized under 49 U.S.C. §44809(c) as a fixed FRIA (FAA Recognized Identification Area).
Pasadena FAQ
Do I need to register my drone?
Yes, drones over 0.55 lbs must be registered with the FAA. Cost is $5 for 3 years.
Can I fly in Pasadena parks?
Many parks restrict or prohibit drones. Check Pasadena parks department for specific rules.
Compare other topics
See how El Monte and Pasadena compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool